Organic substrates improve the quality of Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. under nursery conditions

Objective: To determine the best substrates that favor the quality of mahogany seedlings under nursery conditions. Design/methodology/approach: The variables evaluated were plant height, stem diameter, aerial and root dry weight, main root length, slenderness, and Dickson quality index. The treatments were: cocoa husk (Ch), coconut fiber (Cf) and pine sawdust (Ps) and volumetric mixtures of cocoa husk, coconut fiber and pine sawdust, established under a completely randomized design with eight treatments. Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for all the variables analyzed. The species showed a more favorable morphological response in the Ch60 (Ch-60% + Cf-20% + Ps-20%) and Ch50 (Ch-50% + Cf-30% + Ps-20%) mixtures. Furthermore, the discriminant analysis allowed the differentiation of the substrates from the linear combination of the variables, where the height and aerial dry weight were the greatest contributors. Limitations on study/implications: The study was conducted in a nursery, where conditions (irrigation, temperature, pest protection) are ideal. In the field, results may vary due to factors such as water stress, weed competition, or pathogen attacks. Therefore, it opens avenues for studying substrate combinations, mycorrhizal inoculation, or adaptation to post-transplant stress conditions. Findings/conclusions: It is concluded that the treatments composed of the highest percentage of cocoa husk were the best substrates, so their use is recommended for the production of mahogany in containers.